ICE, federal officers scanning faces during encounters to verify citizenship

In one video posted to Instagram, a male who says he is 16 years old was approached by federal authorities who asked him to show identification. He said that he did not have any official identification, but a simple school ID. The page that posted the video says it covers news in Chicago.

The officer then asked another agent to "do a facial," and the second officer had the young man face his phone camera. After looking over his phone, the officer asked the boy to verify his name, and the video stops there.

Another video shows federal agents approaching a driver of a vehicle, where one agent pointed his camera at the driver. The driver was adamant that he had to go to work, and said that he was an American citizen.

“Alright, we just got to verify that," one officer said. "If you could take your hat off, it would be a lot quicker." It is not clear what software ICE and CBP would be using for facial recognition, however, it was previously reported by 404 Media that an app called "Mobile Fortify" allows for ICE and CBP officers to conduct real-time identification through facial recognition technology.

A CBP Spokesperson told 404 Media, "CBP relies on a variety of technological capabilities that enhance the effectiveness of agents on the ground. This is one of many tools we are using as we enforce the laws of our nation." A DHS spokesperson told the outlet, "DHS is not going to confirm or deny law enforcement capabilities or methods."

The reports on the use of the facial recognition technology also come as the Trump administration has been ramping up efforts to deport illegal immigrants in the areas of Chicago and elsewhere around the country.